FIFA’s Club World Cup faces criticism due to empty stadiums and uneven team matchups.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicked off on June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, showcasing football legend Lionel Messi in front of a star-studded audience that included the likes of David Beckham, Ronaldo, Kaka, Bebeto, Roberto Baggio, and Javier Zanetti. While Messi’s team, Inter Miami, played to a 0-0 draw against Egyptian club Al Ahly, the atmosphere within the stadium was electric, with passionate fans eager to witness what is expected to be a thrilling tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has positioned this tournament as a key project in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressed high hopes for the event’s success. The organizers aim not only to deliver on entertainment but also to elevate the prestige of club football on a global scale. Infantino’s ambitious plans include enhancing the tournament format, increasing prize money by million, and even attempting to lure superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to participate.
Despite the initial excitement, the tournament has encountered challenges. The first few days have been marked by criticisms regarding match scheduling, particularly the daytime kickoffs in the summer heat. Players from various teams, some emerging from grueling league schedules, have struggled with mental and physical strain. Players’ union FIFPRO voiced concerns over the lack of safeguards to protect player welfare, highlighting the significant pressures on athletes in top-tier competitions.
Additionally, some matches have highlighted mismatches in team capabilities. For instance, Auckland City faced a formidable challenge against Bayern Munich, resulting in a 10-0 scoreline that showcased the vast disparity between amateur and professional levels of play. Meanwhile, attendance has varied widely. While the Miami opener and a subsequent match featuring Paris Saint-Germain drew large crowds, subsequent games struggled to attract fans, particularly notable in the Chelsea versus LAFC match in Atlanta, which saw significant empty spaces in the stands.
As the tournament unfolds, FIFA faces the task of addressing these issues while maintaining the enthusiasm surrounding such a prestigious competition. The Club World Cup seeks to inspire football fans worldwide, and with the involvement of numerous talented players from varied backgrounds, it highlights the global nature of the sport.
With other engaging matches on the horizon, the hope remains that the tournament will continue to evolve positively and connect with football lovers around the globe.
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